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UNECE at COP 21: Promoting practical solutions for tackling climate change

Working in several areas relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation, UNECE took part in COP21 to showcase the practical solutions it provides for issues related to air pollution, water, transport, sustainable energy and cities.


UNECE Executive Secretary Christian Friis Bach and various experts contributed to a number of discussions at COP21, including on promoting integrated approaches to tackle air pollution and climate change, raising awareness about the importance of basin-wide cooperation in adaptation strategies for water management, regional cooperation on and the uptake of renewable energy, as well as on energy efficiency in buildings and vehicle emission standards.


Leading and contributing to a number of side-events, such as those centrally coordinated by the UN System and those organized by Member States in their respective country pavilions, UNECE presented its work under the Air and Water Conventions, the Committees on Sustainable Energy and on Housing and Land Management, respectively, as well as under the Inland Transport Committee’s World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, and the Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP).

UNECE also showcased its work on several of the thirteen interactive thematic booths that brought together several agencies around key issues at the ONE UN Exhibit. UNECE and WHO featured the UN system’s work on Health and Air Pollution, UNECE’s Inland Transport work was part of the Sustainable Transport booth, and its Housing and Land Management activities were presented on the booth about Cities. The joint exhibit allowed delegates to explore how diverse UN entities are supporting Member States “as one” with their collective expertise and services.

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